How to Host a BBQ
After a wet and windy half term, the weekend before the kids returned back to school, the sun finally decided to make an appearance, thus, what better way than to celebrate the nice weather than to organize impromptu BBQ.
I love a good BBQ, you can't beat that - when the family get together and enjoy each others company, the kids running around screaming with laughter, lots of food and drink. And, next month sees hubby's birthday where every year we host a BBQ and invite family and friends around. Which I am already planning and looking forward too.
I love to cook many different dishes, from making my red cabbage coleslaw, roasted vegetables, sweet potato chips, couscouse salad, and more, which means on the day a lot of my time is spent cooking. Then, the next morning, the big clean up commences, plates, cutlery, dishes, bowls, glass everywhere, and 10 dishwasher cycles later.... (over exaggeration slightly there)
Thus, in preparation for our next BBQ I have been looking at ideas and ways to save time.
Use disposable cups, plates, cutlery - not the cheap ones that break easily and make eating or drinking more difficult than it should be, I would opt for the good quality disposable and biodegradable plastic bits.
Everyone to contribute - When friends and family ask 'what should we bring', I not only suggest beer or wine, I suggest the option to bring an appetizer or dessert. This gives the BBQ some delicious surprises, and it will help you keep the cost down. It will also removes some of the pressure from me trying to cook all the dishes.
Fill a large bucket of ice - and everyone can place the cans of beer and pop in the ice to keep them nice and cool. Much easier than trying to find spaces in your fridge and cram it up.
Have a designated bin for recyclables - When people are finished drinking their can of beer or pop, and they have finished eating with the disposable plates etc. everyone can chuck them away in the large designated box - saving time for the big clear up the next morning.
Drink Dispenses set up and ready to go - use the ones with taps making it easier for everyone, especially the kids to top up their juice whenever they want. You can make some great mocktails and fill them with fruit and have fun with them.